Why Do I Need an Endodontic Evaluation for a Root Canal?

At Innovative Endodontics, our doctors want to ensure they provide their patients with the correct treatment for their conditions. Therefore, they conduct endodontic evaluations before giving root canals. These exams help the patient and the doctor before the procedure. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I need an endodontic evaluation for a root canal?” you’ll discover why here.

When to Contact an Endodontist

There are several reasons to contact an endodontist for a root canal evaluation. You may have a referral from your dentist for endodontic care. Your dentist may have even told you that you need a root canal.

However, you don’t need a referral to see a dental specialist. Any time that you have one of the following symptoms, you should see an endodontist:

• Discomfort when biting on the tooth
• Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers after you remove the food or drink
• A visible crack or traumatic incident to a tooth
• Redness or swelling in a localized area of the gums
• A pus-filled swelling on the gums that resembles a pimple
• Any unexplained dental discomfort

The above symptoms indicate that you need an endodontic evaluation to find out if you need a root canal or other type of care.

Reasons You Need an Endodontic Evaluation for a Root Canal

Endodontists treat the interior of teeth where dental discomfort originates. If you have tooth discomfort or trauma, the doctor needs to examine you before choosing a treatment plan. The reasons for an endodontic evaluation include the following:

1. To Identify the Tooth Needing Treatment

A problem with a tooth can cause discomfort that you may feel in a nearby tooth. This referred discomfort makes identifying the tooth to treat difficult based on discomfort alone. Therefore, your endodontist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine which tooth has a problem that requires attention.

2. To Determine the Extent of Damage to the Tooth

If you have a crack, decay, or other type of damage to a tooth, the endodontist needs to see the extent of the damage. Is the tooth or gum infected? Does the damage impact one or more teeth? Is the root healthy enough for a root canal?

3. To Verify, You Need a Root Canal

Of course, an endodontist wants to ensure that a root canal is the best procedure for you. During the evaluation, they may determine whether a different option is indicated. Only after a thorough exam will the doctor know the right treatment method to save your tooth and stop your discomfort.

4. To Give You a Chance to Get Questions Addressed

You will likely have questions for the endodontist before a root canal. The evaluation gives you the chance to get answers to these concerns before your root canal.

Additionally, you can let the doctor know if you feel nervous. They can help you to feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure if they are aware of your anxiety before the root canal.

For example, they can remind you that you can ask the doctor to stop at any time by simply raising your hand. This gesture lets you get a break during the root canal to take deep breaths to relax before the doctor continues.

At Innovative Endodontics, our team works to help every patient feel at ease during root canals, evaluations, and other procedures. Feel free to let us know how we can help you when you come to see us for an endodontic evaluation.

What Happens During an Endodontic Evaluation

During an endodontic evaluation, prepare to outline the problem you have. If you had discomfort or sensitivity, you may need to describe it and indicate how long you’ve felt it. The doctor will also likely ask questions about your medical and dental history.

Part of the exam includes the doctor taking images of the problem area. They may also use a variety of tests to gauge sensitivity and discomfort in a tooth. They’ll also look at your tooth and ask if you’ve ever had endodontic treatment before.

The answers you give to the endodontist and the results of their exam will give the doctor the information they need to help you choose your next step. If you need endodontic treatment but don’t want to have a root canal, retreatment, or surgery, your only remaining option is to have the tooth removed.

Whenever possible, you should do what you can to preserve the natural tooth. You’ll avoid the extra costs and surgeries required to get dental implants while keeping your smile whole.

Why You Should See an Endodontist for a Root Canal Evaluation

Endodontists are specialists who completed additional training in the field. A non-surgical method to treat infection inside the tooth is root canal therapy. Endodontists perform these routine procedures daily and have perfected the methods they use to ensure that their patients have the safest, most painless root canal possible.

Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp and reseals the tooth. This process stops the infection in the tooth from causing severe damage that would necessitate extraction. Plus, root canal therapy not only eliminates the infection but also prevents its spread, which could lead to abscesses or infections in other areas.

When you have signs of needing a root canal, go to an expert in the field, an endodontist.

Do You Have Dental Discomfort or a Cracked Tooth? Get an Endodontic Evaluation

When you experience dental discomfort, tooth trauma, or a cracked tooth, it’s essential to see a specialist in saving teeth. Innovative Endodontics serves the Charleston area to give patients comfortable care using the most up-to-date examination and procedure methods. Schedule your endodontic evaluation today to determine if you need a root canal or other treatment.